What’s the difference between a bedspread, throw and a blanket?

When thinking about interior decor, the bedroom is one room in particular where you can really use your personality and showcase a bit of ‘you’ through the design. Your bedroom sanctuary should be a haven where you can escape to, and where you feel totally at home, relaxed and comfortable. But not only is a bedroom a space for sleep, it’s often a dressing room, a grooming room and a room of passion too! So there is lots to think about when creating your perfect room design.

One way to really do that is with colour and texture and the simple addition of a beautiful bedspread, throw or blanket can really add an interesting accent to an otherwise bland space. But what is the difference between the three and how should you use them to best effect?

What is a bedspread?

A bedspread is a lightweight, quilted cover used as a decorative element on your bed. They are usually the full size of the bed, able to cover everything including pillows and have enough room to drape over the edges. They are also often styled by folding in half, particularly if they are an accent colour to your duvet cover as this provides an interesting visual showcasing a range of textures, colours and patterns.

Not only is a bedspread a beautiful addition to your bedding, it’s also great for summer months when the weather gets hotter. Pair a bedspread with a flat sheet for Spring and Summer months for a cooler, breathable sleep.

It’s best to choose a bedspread that can be easily cleaned or has stain resistant properties as they often end up on the floor if they are kicked off in the night.

What is a blanket?

A blanket, like a bedspread, is intended to be used on a bed in addition to a duvet. In this day and age of centrally heated houses, blankets are usually used to add design interest, but in olden days they were used for temperature control by adding multiple layers which could be removed or retained depending on the season.

Available in a variety of fabrics, patterns and designs, blankets come out smaller than a bedspread, but are big enough to cover your whole body, which a throw is not. They are usually styled folded across the bottom half or quarter of your bed.

Choose natural fibres for your blanket for a more comfortable sleep.

What is a throw?

Throws are not only an aesthetic piece in the bedroom, they also provide great warmth. Measuring up smaller than a blanket (usually around 1m x 1.5m), a throw is perfect to throw on the end of a bed or have draped on your bedroom chair for those colder nights where you need to grab an extra layer. They come in a variety of fabrics including cotton, chenille, wool, silk or man made fibres like microfleece. The type of fabric used will affect the durability of the throw and it’s longevity. A throw is often used to protect a chair or can be put on a bed if a pet sneaks up there to sleep! If that’s the case, it’s best to choose a throw that can be easily washed.

So...to summarise what is the difference between a bedspread, throw and a blanket?

A bedspread is;

Lightweight and quilted design

Designer to cover the whole of the bed

Can be used in the summer with a flat sheet for sleeping on warmer nights

A blanket is;

To be used on the bed with the addition of a duvet

Comes out smaller than a besdpread, big enough to cover your whole body

Available in a variety of colours and fabrics

A throw is;

Provides great warmth - perfect for having at the end of the bed to pull out when the weather gets colder

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